Sights & Activities
Unforgettable Sights
Tolaga Bay Wharf – built in 1936 and measuring 660 metres in length, it’s the longest pier in New Zealand.
Day breaking – watch a glorious sunrise over the Pacific Ocean from the top of Mount Hikurangi.
Adrenaline-rush
Surfing – hit the waves on a world-famous surf beach – there are great spots right along the coast. Shark cage diving, eco tours and stingray feeding with Dive Tatapouri (
www.divetatapouri.com ).
Relax & Indulge
Morere Hot Springs – unwind in public and private thermal pools in a beautiful bush setting (www.morerehotsprings.com).
Tairawhiti Museum – visit this award-winning complex with Maori and European artifacts (
www.tairawhitimuseum.org.nz ).
Top picks
Culture
Whale Rider Tours – take a guided tour with Hone Taumaunu, cultural consultant to the critically acclaimed New Zealand film, Whale Rider (t. +64 6 868 6139).
Road Trip
Pacific Coast Highway – this touring route from Auckland to Hawke’s Bay wraps right around Eastland’s coastline – drive a section of the route for superb ocean views.
Luxury
The Repongaere Estate – stay in one of five luxury villas nestled in a 14-hectare estate close to wineries, olive groves and golf courses (
www.repongaere.co.nz ).
Inexpensive or free
Eastwoodhill Arboretum – enjoy wandering through a 100-hectare ‘Garden of National Significance’ containing New Zealand’s largest collection of Northern Hemisphere trees and shrubs (
www.eastwoodhill.org.nz ).
Culinary experience
Wine tasting – sample superb local Chardonnay in one of New Zealand’s significant wine-growing regions.
Exclusive dining
The Marina Restaurant & Bar, Gisborne – fine dining in a riverside setting (t. +64 6 868 5919).
Casual dining
Gordon Gecko, Gisborne – good seasonal Kiwi fare and premium beers by the wharf (
www.gordongecko.co.nz ).
Café
Verve Café, Gisborne – popular café in the heart of the city (t. +64 6 868 9095).
Bar
Smash Palace, Gisborne – a full DC3 airplane in the roof and famous flame grilled pizzas (t. +64 6 867 7769).
Shop or gallery
Artbeat, Gisborne – go shopping in the Tairawhiti Museum for flax bags, pounamu (greenstone), woodenware, jewellery and more (t. +64 6 867 3832).
